Andhra Pradesh Launches Ambitious Tourism Vision 2047 at FAITH Conclave

Andhra Pradesh Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh unveiled the ambitious ‘Swarna Andhra Tourism Vision 2047’ at the FAITH Tourism Conclave 2026 in New Delhi on Thursday. The initiative aims to position Andhra Pradesh as one of India’s leading global tourism destinations by leveraging its diverse offerings and sustainable development strategies.

A Complete Tourism Destination

Addressing policymakers, investors, and industry leaders, Durgesh described Andhra Pradesh as a State where “every bit of India is present.” He highlighted its rich natural and cultural assets, including a 1,054-km coastline, over 80,000 temples such as the iconic Tirumala shrine, 13 wildlife sanctuaries, three national parks, the country’s largest tiger reserve, and several UNESCO tentative heritage sites.

Record Growth in Tourist Arrivals

The Minister shared impressive growth figures, noting that tourist arrivals in Andhra Pradesh surged from 28.58 crore in 2023–24 to 36.42 crore in 2025–26. Foreign tourist arrivals also saw a remarkable 49% increase, rising from 1.70 lakh to 2.72 lakh during the same period.

Investment and Employment Initiatives

Durgesh emphasized the State’s commitment to fostering tourism as an economic driver. Andhra Pradesh has granted industry status to tourism projects and implemented a transparent Tourism Policy 2024–29. Investment proposals worth ₹19,693 crore have been received, with approvals already issued for projects totaling ₹9,200 crore. These projects are expected to add nearly 8,000 hotel rooms and create three lakh jobs in the tourism sector over the next five years.

Innovative Tourism Projects

The Minister announced several initiatives aimed at diversifying the State’s tourism offerings. These include caravan tourism, homestay promotion, adventure tourism guidelines, beach shack and concert policies, film tourism, and monument adoption programmes. Additionally, seven major tourism hubs are being developed, alongside river cruise projects on the Krishna and Godavari rivers.

Enhanced Connectivity and Campaigns

To improve accessibility, Andhra Pradesh is enhancing connectivity through six airports. The State is also promoting its tourism potential through the ‘Holiday in Andhra Pradesh’ campaign, which focuses on destination weddings, unique experiences, local cuisine, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism.

A Vision for Sustainable Growth

Aligned with the Centre’s Viksit Bharat vision, Andhra Pradesh’s tourism strategy underscores sustainability and community-driven development. The State’s efforts to attract investment while preserving its natural and cultural heritage reflect its ambition to become a global tourism hub.

Source: The Hindu